Business licences
Every business, occupation or trade that is carried on with the intention of making a profit within City of Airdrie limits requires a business licence issued by the City of Airdrie, as regulated under the Business Licence Bylaw.
Updates to the Business Licence Bylaw
On Dec. 2, 2019, City Council approved changes to the Business Licence Bylaw proposed by Airdrie Municipal Enforcement. The changes include a modest increase to Business Licence fees which will become effective Jan., 1, 2020. For more information on the new fees, please see below.
Other permits & regulations
Depending on your business type and location, you may require permits from other City of Airdrie departments (Building Inspections, Planning, etc.) and government agencies (i.e. Alberta Health Services). This includes home businesses.
Please see the info sheet specific to your business below or use the BizPaL tool.
Business licences overview
Business location
- Resident Businesses - Businesses based/located within Airdrie city limits.
- Non-Resident Businesses - Businesses located outside Airdrie city limits that are operating/conducting business in Airdrie.
Business type
Select your specific business type below to learn more about what's required before you apply.
Business type | Description | Business location | |
---|---|---|---|
Resident (Airdrie-Based) | Non-Resident | ||
Commercial, retail, office or industrial business | Businesses with a storefront location (includes cannabis retail). | Info sheet | Info sheet |
Home business | Businesses operating from a residential property in Airdrie. | Info sheet | Info sheet |
Professional business | Professionals (such as physicians, dentists) that are not required through legislation/other governance to obtain a local license. | Info sheet | |
Plumbing, gas or electrical contractor | A company or individual undertaking construction activities involving plumbing, gas, or electrical. Without a valid business licence, contractors are not able to obtain construction permits. |
Choose commercial or home-based above | Info sheet |
Massage therapist practitioner | Massage therapists working in Airdrie. | More information | |
Taxi, ride share & limousine business | Companies or individuals owning and operating a business that provides taxi, ride share or limousine services. | More information | |
Mobile Food Vendor | A portable cart, truck or similar arrangement located on a lot for the sale of food which may be removed each day at the end of business. | More Information |
*If you are purchasing an existing Airdrie business, please contact our Business Licensing Officer at 403.948.8800 prior to applying for a business license.
When to apply
You can apply for a business licence at any time before opening/operating your business in Airdrie. Ideally, any other permits and licences should be obtained before applying for your business licence.
Business licence fees
The cost for an annual business licence is:
Business Category | Fee |
---|---|
Home-based Business Licence | $125 |
Commercial/Industrial Business Licence | $125 |
Non-Resident Business Licence | $350 |
Temporary businesses (Valid for 72 hours) |
$100 |
Fees (excluding temporary businesses) are pro-rated to half the fee on July 1.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are additional business licencing requirements and fees for Taxi, ride share & limousine businesses and massage therapist practitioners.
How to apply
Two ways to apply
1. Online: Click here.
You must create a myAIRDRIE account. Already have a myAIRDRIE account? Log in and add Business Licencing to your account.
2. In person at:
- City Hall, Licencing & Permitting Counter - 400 Main Street SE, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Municipal Police Building - 2 Highland Park Way NE, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Payment types
- Online: Visa, MasterCard
- In person: Cash, Debit, cheque
Processing time
Most licences are processed in five to 10 working days. However, if your business requires other permits, this process could take longer and is subject to the processing times of other permitting departments and agencies.
Term of license
Business licences are valid for one year, from January through December, with the exception of taxi licences which expire March 31.
Business licence renewals
Paper business licence renewals are automatically mailed out each January. This paper renewal will include the log-in information you need to create your myAIRDRIE web account.
Business start-up assistance
Visit Starting a business or Business resources for more information about starting a business and where to get help.
Documents
- Business license info sheet - Commercial/Industrial (pdf)
- Business license info sheet - Home-based (pdf)
- Business license info sheet - Non-Resident (pdf)
- Business license info sheet - Professional business (pdf)
- Business license info sheet - Mobile Food Vendor (pdf)